The Archives and History Initiative seeks to form a community of scholars and students at DKU who are invested (or simply interested!) in historical research and ready to collaborate and support each other. It follows two main questions: First, what makes archives fruitful starting places for interdisciplinary and disciplinary research at DKU? Archives are at the center of writing history. Investigating and evaluating historical sources is also vital for scholars in literature and anthropology. Even more, knowledge of the archive is a productive starting point for integrated research. Second, what can be considered as archives? Humanistic scholarship in the past two decades has convincingly discussed how institutionalized power has created manifold silences during the making of archives. We seek to contribute to this discussion by exploring various forms of archives and the different sources of authority and power they embody.
The majority of events at the Archives and History Initiative are student and faculty facing. Events range from the introduction of digital historical databases or physical archives to the presentation of “work in progress” by DKU students and faculty. Our thematic range is broad and reflects the many fields of interest at DKU. We make serious efforts to provide insight into the research progress. The year 2025 will begin with discussing Prof. Olsavsky’s paper on Frederick Douglass and the Beginnings of Pan-Africanism. Our second event, the “Signature Work-Shop,” will see its second iteration this Fall. It gives students the chance to receive early feedback on their projects. Other planned events give insight into the life of a research assistant at DKU and the many ongoing, fascinating projects faculty and students lead. This year, we will also welcome outside speakers who will share their research projects and their methodological approaches.”
